Already Prettypoll: Style Icons

One of the questions I always ask my clients is, “Do you have any style icons? If so, who are they?” I would say that about 50% can reel off a few icons instantly. The other 50% have none. And that latter half are often incredibly surprised to realize that they have none.

I think fashion magazines have trained us to believe that identifying personal style icons is essential to crafting personal style, but that’s not really the case. Depending on how you’re wired, you may be able to draw inspiration from a billion sources and process it into a cohesive style. But it can be helpful to note which women dress in ways that you consistently admire, especially if you ask yourself why you admire their style. Identifying the icon without teasing out the why isn’t nearly as helpful, in my experience. So:

Do you have any personal style icons, famous or otherwise? If so, who are they? And WHY do you admire their style? If not, do you think identifying one might be helpful to you?

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No, I don’t have that particular style icon. I like many women’s style and copy what suits me. You, for example, have a different complexion than me and I am also a little bit taller than you I admire random, beautiful, tall women in the street, if they have some kind of classic, chic style that makes them look confident and not in any way limited by their height, just as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

A.B.

I don’t have any style icons. I think the main thing is that people in the media don’t look like me, so if I see an outfit on a famous actress and try to recreate it, it won’t look the same on me at all. I would love to have a style icon.

Brigitte

Oh man. I feel kind of stupid that I don’t have an answer for that. I feel like I should for sure have a style icon, and I’m finding it rather weird that I don’t, actually.
There’s lots of women with style that I love, like Cate Blanchett and Zooey Deschanel, but look how different these women are in terms of style! I guess I take elements from each and make it work for me: more modern and edgy from Cate, and with touches of whimsy à la Zooey.
So look at that. Maybe I have style “icons” after all!

When I first started playing with my stlye, my style icon was Emma Pillsbury on Glee. I’d always loved retro styles and bright colors, but had been afraid to wear either – I tended towards jeans and dark colors. But I fell in love with her wardrobe in episode one and spent that summer and fall making lists and shopping. She dressed the way I always wished I could, so I thought that if anyone said anything negative, I could just point to her and shrug. I ended up with a great variety of bright cardigans and pencil skirts and was so happy. I slowly brought them into the mix until now, when I almost never wear jeans and I can wear neon pink without batting an eye.

As I got more confident, I stopped imitating her exactly, but I think she still shines through a lot of my outfits. Especially when I wear candy colors and brooches, no matter what the silhouette is! Now I look to a variety of people (Lea Michele/Rachel and her edgier and draping clothes, my coworker who wears vintage and uses a petticoat in regular life) but I still notice every single Emma-ish item I come across and decide if it fits in with my current aesthetic. She let me take risks and that has been super fun.

Steph

I’m always stumped when asked this question. There isn’t one person whose style I’ve ever really wanted to adopt wholesale. There are many women whose style and aesthetic I admire, though–but that doesn’t mean I strive to dress like any of them. Probably because I like variety. I take a little inspiration from many sources: a fit here, a silhouette there, a detail from another place, and meld them into my own interpretation. That said, I do tend to dress in a few particular ‘modes’, from classic to edgy to bombshell, and sometimes a blend of all three.

Christine

Personally, I am tired of many of the classic style icons drawn from the performing arts, because they represent a lifestyle, body type, and budget that I neither have nor aspire to. In addition, it’s hard to know how much of their style is innate and how much was manufactured by others. Similarly, I can’t connect to the style of royalty with their gowns and tiaras. Instead, I am drawn to the style of women I’d categorize as non-performing creatives — visual artists, gallery owners, interior decorators, and so on. I admire those who, through their style, consistently express their creativity in a polished manner.

http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/ Patti @ NotDeadYet Style

I have several, and they change over the years and for the occasion. I really like Jenna Lyon’s style – the pattern mixing and use of color – and I also like Jane Birkin’s style, both the vintage and current. Tilda Swinton always looks perfect to me, and she’s a minimalist, and I love Michelle Obama’s dresses, so I guess I have an eclectic group.

Shawna

Patti, I’d name you as my style icon because I always love your outfits but I think you also have the body type to wear many of the things I like that don’t work on me. I am tall, curvy, not plus sized but I need my clothes to give some indication that I have a waist, otherwise I just look like a rectangular blobby thing. I do dress similarly to you quite often though, which is probably why I love your blog. I am also envious of your warm weather!

Ros

I’ve got a hard time with the concept of style icons, honestly – there are definitely people whose styles I admire, but I’m also aware that those styles do not fit my lifestyle or body type.

For example, I can admire Audrey Hepburn or Coco Chanel all I want, but sleek silhouettes that work on boyish figures do NOT work for hip- and bust-filled hourglass figures (and changing the tailoring changes the style completely, so… moot point?) I can admire Angelina Jolie, and her clothing fits my body type MUCH better, but is frankly completely unsuited to the life I actually lead.

Mostly, I’ve had better luck cobbling together elements of things I find attractive into a coherent whole – the blog Into Mind (http://into-mind.com/) was really helpful in terms of helping identify disparate elements on pinterest boards, of all things – and finding bloggers that share my general body shape/lifestyle (Wardrobe Oxygen, and you!) and preoccupation with ethical fashion (Into Mind, This Kind Choice).

Becky

I’m looking forward to reading the comments on this one! I have been looking for a style icon, and/or a virtual style mentors with similar body type or coloring to me. Seems like outdoorsy and chic don’t go together so often, though some of the artists in my little town pull it off.

When I first started trying to improve the way I dress, my husband recommended that I find women in movies who sent similar messages with their clothes to what I want to send. That’s what he’d done to improve his look (as an architect, his clothing was part of his professional brand). Stylists dressing people in movies do such a great job at this.

I haven’t been able to find good examples yet – there are a lot more figure-flattery and image considerations for women than for men, I think.

http://www.amidprivilege.com Lisa

The people whose style I admire – Tilda Swinton, Jenna Lyons, etc. – are people I will never dress like in a million years. So then, are they actually icons?

Shawna

Lisa, I know just what you mean. I admire women who know their style because they always look right, but that doesn’t mean it will work on me. I am the same way with home decor. Not every style I admire works for me or is something I can live with.

http://www.dirtypigbathbeauty.com Jennifer Bullock

There are three mains ones that come to mind but I don’t necessarily think about them in regards to my own style. I just really enjoy theirs.

Cate Blanchette- She would look stunning in a sack. She has a consistent style and takes the occasional risk. Her risky stuff is never too over the top and she always looks regal.

Zooy Deschanel- The retro, peppy, twee style she sticks to is a nice contrast the what other celebs usually wear. I can’t wait to get my hands on the Tommy Hilfiger collection.

Tilda Swinton- Never boring. She’s another one that can pull off whatever she wears, no matter how bizarre.

Lindsay

Olivia Pope from Scandal, Diane Lockhart from The Good Wife and Claire Underwood from House of Cards. All have a really clear aesthetic (as tv characters do more than real life people) with neutral colors and minimalist designs. I tend to add in more punk/hard edge influences in my own wardrobe, but I love pretty much everything they wear. Plus they’re all badass powerful women, so I’m drawn to that too.

Liz

Agree with all three of these, although I would probably choose Alicia Florrick over Diane Lockhart. But they both look amazing.

Emily Stowe

YOU, Sally! When I found this blog, I was so excited to see someone who wears a lot of dresses, loves bright colors and layers, and totally pulls off the look I am going for! You’ve definitely helped me figure out some things I needed to do to take it to the next level- like the whole concept of long over lean!

I’m one of those people astonished to realize I don’t have a style icon. I think maybe the deal here is that, becoming an adult, I finally began realizing that what I admire on others doesn’t always work for me — not that nothing works on me, mind you… It’s just that at this point I’d better direct my energy to figuring out what looks I look best in and hew to those images as guidance, rather than looking to others. That said, I totally want to find someone else who looks like me to give me guidance and do the work for me, and so periodically type things like “short curvy” and the oxymoronic “petite large” into google and pinterest, just in case my physical doppleganger is out there posting her looks. Lemme know if you find her.

LinB

I always think to myself, “What would Anne of Green Gables wear in this situation?” Which is not terribly helpful, as she was a fictional character set firmly in the latter quarter of the 19th century. Diane von Furstenberg is probably she to whom I would look most for guidance. I was a teenager when she introduced the now-iconic wrap dress. Her style is “classic with a twist,” effortlessly elegant, and age-appropriate for grown women.
We spend so little time as girls and teenagers, and so many decades as grown women. It always makes me a little sad to see 70-year-old women wearing dresses that are designed and marketed for 12-year-olds. I know that it is mean-spirited of me to judge them as trying too hard, or not accepting their age gracefully. It is not up to me to dictate how another woman ought to dress. Yet, there is so much to celebrate about being whatever age we are, as we live through that age. Rejoice in being 12! — you’re probably not yet worrying about covering grey hair or reducing fine lines and wrinkles in your face. Rejoice in being 70! — you’ll never have to live through middle school again.

http://dashingeccentric@blogspot.com mrs. eccentric

Karen Blixen and Amelia Earhardt. My own style’s always been pretty eccentric, individual and not tied to what’s happening fashion or style wise at the moment. I’m also one who’s always prioritized style consistency over variety. So having a couple of style icons helps me keep focused on my own style persona, since i can’t reliably get much inspiration from magazines, blogs, and etc. steph

There’s no one person I could immediately pinpoint as YES, THAT’S MY STYLE ICON, but upon thinking about it, I’ve got to go with Rachel Bilson. She’s really great at the bohemian aesthetic that I love so much, but she’s also great at never making it look like too much, or like a costume. Fairly simple pieces, interesting details (be it in pattern or accessories), and an appreciation for a great handbag.

Shawna

Amanda, I agree that the boho look can get too much like a costume though I also love it. I know who Rachel Bilson is but could not bring her actual look to mind. I will check her out online. Thanks for the idea!

E

Helena Bonham Carter, and Johnny Depp! James Bond and Mama Cass!

They look fascinating; alluring, even if you can only imagine being dressed that way, it is fun and diverting. I enjoyed pondering this question, will need to give it some more thought on how it applies to everyday life….

Amy

I’d say the French actresses Audrey Tautou and Marion Cotillard. Both have similar features as me -dark hair, fair skin, petite. I can only aspire to be so ooolala, tres chic!

Annabeth

I agree with the majority – most of my style icons are women whose bodies and budgets I will never match, but can nonetheless admire. Tilda Swinton, Kerry Washington, Cate Blanchett, Lucy Liu, and now Lupita N’yongo: They are all of them fabulously chic and daring, but I would not look good in anything they wear, even if I could afford it. I also greatly admire Octavia Spencer’s style, which is IMO like a master class in plus-size glamour, but while I’m curvier than most Hollywood stars, I’m not plus size either.

Honestly, the only one I can think of – and hear me out — is Ugly Betty. Remember that TV show? I’m not talking about the outfits she wore over the majority of the show’s run, which were deliberately and hilariously awful. What I’m talking about are the outfits Betty began to wear in the final season of the show, when she finally started melding her love of bright colors and patterns into a more mature, sophisticated presentation. I loved that they never made Betty stop wearing colors or become boring; her stuff was still incredibly bold! But it was also 100% HER, obviously individual and fun, and flattering on a very realistic kind of body. So I guess I look to her sometimes!

julie

There are those characters whose style I admire, although I don’t try to imitate them due to lifestyle differences, body differences and budget, and climate. I admire Olivia Pope from Scandal, Joan from Mad Men, Claire from House of Cards, Queen Latifah, and love Bethenny’s dresses. My first reaction is Beth Ditto. She really wears some great clothes and her hair and make-up are divine! I cannot dress like her but hope that I take some of her confidence and rule breaking into my own life.

Andrea

For me, a style icon is not one I necessarily want to imitate, but one I admire for the essence of her style.

A woman I know is always impeccably dressed in simple, fairly casual style. Never fussy, but never sloppy or boring. She might be wearing a chunky ivory turtleneck over skinny jeans with tall boots, simple jewelry, and a small wristlet, and she looks completely elegant. She also has a beautiful hairstyle that perfectly suits her, simple makeup, and great posture. In all, I guess, her style is a natural extension of her, and you can just tell.

For the sheer beauty of it (though it is admittedly a bit out of date now): Rene Russo’s wardrobe as Cathering Banning in the remake of “The Thomas Crown Affair”. Simply gorgeous; classic with an edge. Designed by Michael Kors if I’m not mistaken. Don’t get me wrong; I wouldn’t go near that sheer dress! But it so suits the character and the scene.

Nebraskim

Diane Keaton, particularly in Annie Hall, but also I love how she has matured her look. I loved her style in Something’s Got to Give. IRL, I love the style of forum participant MaryK at youlookfab.com. SO CHIC.

Chelsea

Fictional characters: Audrey Horne, Joan Holloway, Iona in ‘Pretty in Pink’, Calculette in ‘Micmacs’. Real people: Lynn Yaeger. I don’t have occasion to dress like these ladies all the time, but they inspire me.

Shawna

I don’t have any style icons and it never occurred to me that I should. I have always worn what I wanted to wear, selected from what is available and have always dressed somewhat differently from my peers. I am not aware of any celebrity who has the same height, size, shape, colouring and lifestyle as mine, which are the things I would could consider essential for any outright copying. In fact, if I were to puzzle over the question, I would end up doing it all backwards and search out examples of celebrities whose style somewhat resembles mine.

I am reluctant to be trendy, and get mildly peeved when something I have always done becomes trendy. My style has evolved over the decades, changing to suit my needs and my body. My lifestyle has changed quite a bit over the years too. Some things I admire on other people but do not feel they are right on me. Either they are not flattering or I don’t feel comfortable in them. Some things I wish I could wear but have to accept that they will not be flattering and decide if I am comfortable with that or not. Usually I am not.

I tend to be attracted to loose, flowing layered things that look best on very skinny people. I have had to figure out how to translate my preferences and my dislike of structured clothes to suit my body, which would probably look better in structured things. I am also limited to the selection available in my area, which is a small town with perhaps one or two trips a year to a larger city for shopping. I don’t shop for clothes online because it seems too much of a hassle trying to get the right fit and most of the sources are American, whereas I am Canadian so shipping and customs and such is also a factor.

https://twitter.com/eauderosie Emily

I don’t have a style icon, and don’t think I need one. There are a lot of people whose style I admire, but that I wouldn’t necessarily translate to myself. I agree with the people saying it’s hard to have an icon when no one in the media looks like you. Also, most of the looks I see, both in the media and blogs, wouldn’t be suited to the large amount of walking and biking I do in my daily life. So I take bits of inspiration from here and there. I feel inspired by women, men, and genderqueer people.

Sue

Kate Middleton.

That’s all that comes to my mind. She’s always polished, put together, and current without being too trendy.

I don’t really follow celebs so I couldn’t really even identify too many of their styles (exception being the classics like Audrey Hepburn).

Allison

I second the notion that you, Sally, are my style icon. My whole life I have wanted to look well put together. Being curvy and short, slow to adopt new trends, 43 years old and the parent of two small boys…well, it leaves not so much style inspiration available in conventional media. Sally, you are literally the only person I’ve ever seen who’s style truly resonates for me (though you appear not to share most of the attributes I’ve just described.) I’ve really been able to step it up in the past year. Thank you!

I love Zooey Deschanel, but in a more toned-down palette. For style bloggers, I love(d) E. of Academichic, Tanya of whatwouldanerdwear (sadly both blogs are now defunct!), and Lilli of frocksandfroufrou. They all have a similar style – lots of skirts, lots of solid colors, a few fun prints, quite girly but very ladylike. The style also suits my body type – lots of skirts look good with my wide hips, and the softer style suits my personality.

I also draw inspiration from many others (including you, Sally!) but those ladies have helped me identify my style, fill out my wardrobe, and given me ideas for outfit combinations.

MaryK

Nebraskim, you are too kind!!

I have been thinking about it and I (am surprised to find that I) don’t think I have a particular style icon, although I have an embarassing number of Pinterest boards from which I copy outfits on an embarassingly regular basis. I like to take inspiration from a wide variety of sources.

Thanks for this post – the timing couldn’t be better! I’m working my way through Sally’s book and I keep skipping the part asking me to identify my fashion icons. Perhaps I have just been hesitant to admit mine, even to myself, but this post is very encouraging so I’ll go public: Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Campbell Brown and Kate Middleton. Yes, I know they are all considered “classic” and therefore safe and possibly boring, but perhaps those adjectives apply to me, as well. I grew up in a low income, rural household and have spent the majority of my adult life trying to assimilate middle class behavior and style. My primary fashion goal has been to dress appropriately for whatever occasion presents itself, especially for work. Fortunately, I’ve had a few good mentors along the way, but Sally’s blog, her book and the supplemental materials have become my primary source of inspiration. I highly recommend them for any readers who need to get “unstuck,” or who share my trepidation regarding personal style.

Anne

I don’t have a particular style icon, mostly because the women whose style I like (preppy and tomboyish) have slim boyish figures very unlike my own (apple body, wide shoulders and back, large bust)., and it’s hard to adapt that style, at least for me. However, I do get style ideas from many bloggers with a variety of styles (including yours) as well as people I work with and see on the street. I’ve always felt that celebrities look so far from my own reality that they are very rarely inspirational. In spite of all this, I do try to cultivate my own style within the limitations of my job and budget and am happy with the way I look.

Dianne

You are my style icon, Sally. Physically we are not alike and I’ve got at least 20 years on you, kiddo! But a year or so ago, I was googling words like “fashion” and “trends” hoping that they would take me to a magical site where I would find my personal style. That’s when I found your blog. Here, I found the tools I needed (your Tutorials), knew that I was not alone in fretting over my body shape (your Body Image Musings) and discovered possibilities outside of my comfort zone (your Style columns). Your Greatest Hits tab rocked my closet! I have “built my wardrobe” through thrift shopping and department store sales and I’m having a blast doing it. Thank YOU Sally!

http://www.alreadypretty.com Sally

Dianne! You are so kind! I’m just overwhelmed to hear this, and ever so happy to hear this blog has helped you on your personal style journey. Thank you for reading and for your kind words, my dear.

Jamie

Princess Kate! I adore her style, because it synchronizes so well with my own personal style (modest, classy, elegant, sleek). I “discovered” her after I knew my own style, so I don’t feel that I draw much inspiration from her. Although I don’t currently own a pair of knee-high boots, but I’m on the look-out for a pair and I definitely have her Aquatalia boots in my mind’s eye.
In terms of inspiration, I have to name you, Sally! I keep meaning to send you an e-mail with before/after photos. Your use of color turned the light on for me, since I’ve always loved color, but I wear very dark and monotone clothing. I now have so much fun carrying a bright yellow purse or wearing a turquoise scarf with a black outfit.

What a fun question. I have been admiring Michelle pfeiffer’s style when she is ‘dressed up’. I love the unusual rich colours (bronze, ruby, navy, black, copper, pewter) and textures and classic with a twist styles of her looks. I love the whole way she presents, and she always looks so elegant and uncontrived. Not that I can use the styles much as day to day inspiration, but still I enjoy her looks and style so much.

http://Chiralcraft.wordpress.com Laura

I don’t think I’ve ever had a style icon. I have some real life friends and acquaintances whose style I admire, because it is so them. Achieving that is what I admire and want to emulate more than any specifics of item or look.

I don’t really follow celebrities but there are always some characters in movies and tv shows that piqué my attention and have items I choose to replicate. I like Abby Mills’ look on Sleepy Hollow – very practical but well fitting. And Claire on House of Cards’s wardrobe is gorgeous, although nothing I’d ever actually need to wear or feel comfortable in. When Gilmore Girls was on I really wanted to dress like Lorelei Gilmore. I thought the costume designers did a great job with her clothes, making them interesting but still work appropriate and more realistic than most TV characters’ wardrobes are. Maybe it was also because I have a similar body type to Lauren Graham, although I am not Hollywood thin.

JJ

There are plenty of people — celebs and “real life” folks — whose style I admire. But the ones I choose as my style icons are because there are elements of their style that really speak to me and that I try to incorporate into my own style or way of looking at/working with style. I don’t find a need to copy them or their outfits. But I find the exercise of analyzing why I choose certain people as my style icons to be quite valuable — and try to incorporate those reasons into my own style.

My celebrity icons:
* Donna Karan — both the designer herself as well as her designs — for her/their elegance, sophistication, simplicity, sensuality. For her use of mostly neutral colors combined with usually just one bold statement accessory (like a huge necklace). I like Paloma Picasso’s style for some of the same reasons.
* Rachel Bilson — for her casual chic and her formula of having a core wardrobe of simple basics and adding interest through accessories (particularly statement shoes) and styling. I like her playful style that often juxtaposes the sweet/feminine with the tough/masculine.

As for real-life style inspirations, Susan at Une Femme D’Un Certain Age comes closest to my personal style ideal of simple, easygoing, elegant chic. I also find inspiration in Alison at Wardrobe Oxygen (especially her use of accessories to liven up/change up wardrobe staples), and, of course, you, Sally (for your bold and playful use of color and for your long-over-lean silhouettes).

Kate

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. She was minimalist perfection. I wish she was still here.

http://over60andoverhere.blogspot.com Sue Walker

I have many style icons whose looks I use as inspiration, though not to copy them exactly as I feel your personal style should reflect you as an individual. I have admired both of the Hepburns (Audrey and Katharine) not only for the films that they appeared in but also for their style. I love Helena Bonham Carter for her eccentricity, though I wouldn’t want to copy her style! As an over 60 blogger, I think that Helen Mirren and Judi Dench are both good examples of older actresses who still look stylish. Finally, what about Inès de la Fressange? If only I was a bit slimmer, a bit younger, 10″ taller and with model looks, I could be taken for her double!

http://MilwaukeeKitchen.blogspot.com Sara@MilwaukeeKitchen

I am part of that 50% who do not have an icon, but can’t believe I don’t! I like this topic and will give some thought to it this week! Sara

Artsy in Boulder

My style involves wild pattern mixing that’s colorful and fun, and I don’t see that too often in the media. I suppose I might cite Jenna Lyons, but the pure J Crew look doesn’t suit me.
I always enjoy seeing Helen Mirren (older women can be jaw-droopingly sexy!) and Cate Blanchett intrigues me, as does Alexa Chung, because I like her “effortless” and unusual outfit compositions. Tilda Swinton for her no-makeup (I don’t particularly like to wear it myself), though I’m not especially a fan of the clothes she chooses.

Three people spring to mind – the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy in the 1970s, and Kate Winslet when she is just out and about, dressed casually.

Kara

Wow, what a great post with really great comments. I’ve enjoyed looking up many of the commenter’s style icons who I wasn’t familiar with. Personally, I really had to think about my answer to this. At first I couldn’t think of anyone, but finally, I’ve come up with the following list: Drew Barrymore, Adele, Justina Blakeney, Ali Macgraw, and Bonnie Bedelia. Quite the assortment! I like a mix of boho, classic, and retro which seems kind of weird, but I like to think I combine it with my own special sauce to make it work.

Kate

Rachel Bilson always pops into my head first, and she tends to be the closest approximation of what I want to look like on a daily basis. Her ability to incorporate hard and soft into her style is what I like best. Also she tends toward darker colors and simple solids, relying on accessories or cut to make the outfit interesting.

For my work wardrobe, I like a 1930’s-50’s news reporter look. Katherine Hepburn is a reasonably good fit.

http://cleverlynamedfoodblog.wordpress.com iliadawry

Stevie Nicks (and her look as it was updated by Misty Day on American Horror Story) — rock and roll witchy. Natalie Dormer, particularly as Moriarty — calculating villain casual. Add some Echo Bazaar steampunk strangeness and I will have to buy a whole new wardrobe to actually dress this way, but it will be worth it.